The Miami Heat is one of the teams that is still vying for a spot in the postseason as of this time. Even the ongoing season is not yet over, there are already talks about their roster movement in the offseason. Latest news is now linking the Heat to Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, who could be the best available free agent in the trade market this summer.
The Miami Heat started the season on a bad luck. They've lost Dwyane Wade in the free agency who decides to join his hometown Chicago while Chris Bosh was not cleared to play this season due to his health condition that might end his basketball career already. Without their superstars, they started 11-30 and seems to be heading to a disappointing season.
But now, the Miami Heat appears to be a playoff bound team precariously holding the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standing. Though they are one of the hottest team today, winning 26 out of the last 34 games they've played, they are still far from being a contender and still needs to boost their roster. And now, recent reports are suggesting that Gordon Hayward is one possible target for them this summer.
According to CBSSports, there are 'whispers' that Gordon Hayward could sign with the Miami Heat in free agency this offseason. Hayward is one of the talented players in the league today and probably an emerging superstar for the Utah Jazz this season. Hayward will become a restricted free agent after this season and if the Jazz fails to re-sign him, he will surely be one hot commodity in the trade market.
In last month trade deadline, many teams have already shown the interest of acquiring Gordon Hayward but the Utah Jazz refused to give up the 27-year old forward as they plan to build the franchise of the team around him. But it looks like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics could be the biggest threat to the Jazz for Hayward affection this summer.
It is no secret that Miami Heat president Pat Riley have the magic hand in terms of acquiring high-caliber players like he did when he brought Shaquille O'Neal in 2004 and LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010. On the other hand, the only connection of Hayward to the Boston Celtics is his college coach Brad Stevens, who is now the head coach of the Celtics. But, the Utah Jazz has the chance to match the offer sheet that Hayward will receive from the Heat or Celtics if speculation is true.
Will the Miami Heat target Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward this offseason?
